Moving Matthews Elementary’s Library

On Saturday, April 21st the Club will meet
at Matthews at 8:00 a.m. to box and move the entire library in preparation for
construction and renovation. Some time in late July or very early August, the Club
will meet again at Matthews to stack the stored books in the new library area.

Optimist International Vision Statement

The members who attended the conference meeting indicated that the Optimist International Vision Statement is something that all members need to keep in mind. This is to be known and kept in use just like the Optimist Creed. I have included the vision statement right below the Blog name so it will be seen each time you open this blog.

Membership for spouses

Annette, President of Grain Valley Optimist Cllub shared with the group this following information. It is intended for members in which their spouses have yet to join Opitmist.

Beginning Valentine's Day (2-14-2007), spouses can become Optimist Members with extra savings! For spouses who take advantage of this program and join us as new members, their quarterly dues will be reduced by half for the following billing dates only: April 2007, July 21007, October 2007 and January 2008. The sooner they join, the more they will save! In addition, the processing fee for new spousal member will be waived February 14, 2007 through February 14, 2008.*
Please recruit your spouse and watch the love of Optimist grow.

* As a part of this program, the new member could not have been a Member of the an Optimist Club at anytime in the past 12 months. They will be charged full dues starting with April 2008 billing. This offer does not apply to Charter Members of the Clubs built from February 14, 2007, through February 14th, 2008.

Easter Egg Hunt

I have finished the flyer's and these will start to get posted at different locations within the next week. Remember we are stuffing eggs at the Admin building on Pink Hill March 24th. 8:00 AM. The Easter Egg hunt will be on the 31st and we will be hiding eggs starting around 8:30. Pictures with the Easter Bunny will start at 9:00 until 9:50 in the gazebo and then again after the hunt. Mark your calendars.
More information to follow and if you need flyer's, see Chris or John Davis.

Discount Toner & Ink

Jerry Vaughn mentioned at the meeting Saturday that he found a place here in Independence that we can take our cartridges to for cash. He has already taken some in and gave the club the 1st check for this. Jerry is willing to collect these used cartridges but they have to be name brand originals with the manufacturing name on them. Please get with Jerry if you need more information but you can turn your ink cartridges into Jerry at the Chamber or bring to the meeting and we will make sure he gets them. The place we will be using is 'Discount Toner and Ink."
Thanks Jerry for taking care of this project.

Proud Optimist mom... by Kathy Doty

Kathy Doty shared this with us at the Optimist meeting and I asked that she write me something to add to our blog. Kathy I thank you for your article. Please read on about Kathy's son, Nick who we all know.

Nick was invited by Elizabeth Faherty, his 8th grade Literature teacher, to attend the 4th Annual Young Writer's Conference on the UMKC Campus that will be held on March 28th, 2007. Students who attend this conference will work on their own writing skills and receive writing strategies from teachers who are also very excited about writing. She said that she is only able to take five students with her to this event, also, that she sees great writing potential in the students she selected to go with her!! I don't know how many other 8th grade teachers/students will be going (or if 6th & 7th grades are going ). There will also be a contest for the students to submit a work of poetry, fiction and non-fiction. Winners will receive a tuition credit to the annual GKCWP summer workshop.

The Greater Kansas City Writing project (GKCWP) working through the University of Missouri-Kansas City, provides in-service programs and on-campus courses in the teaching of writing from Kindergarten through college. GKCWP workshops and courses connect theory with practice by incorporating writing into various academic curriculum's for the enhancement of students learning and communication. Since its establishment in 1983, GKCWP has worked with teachers representing more than 30 school districts in Kansas and Missouri. The GKCWP is affiliated with the National Writing Project and is designed on a teacher-teacher model. I AM SO PROUD OF NICK.

Kathy Doty

Funny Spot.... (new)

"I CAN HEAR JUST FINE!"

Three retirees, each with a hearing loss, were playing golf one fine March day. One remarked to the other, "Windy, isn't it?"
"No," the second man replied. "It's Thursday."
And the third man chimed in, "So am I. Let's go get a beer."

Update on Pairing with Optimist

Carol Barnes gave us an update on the Pairing with Optimist last Saturday February10th. There were a total of 17 kids that we helped out. Sharon Morse indicated she sent out 9 thank you cards to those who gave donations to a very special project. She will also sent one out to Famous Footwear. Thank you Carol and those other members who helped out and again thank you Sam Packham for your hard work as he continues to still receive donations even after the event. This will help us for our next upcoming Pairing with Optimist event.

1st check from Patricia's

At the Saturday meeting, February 17th, Sharon Morse updated the members on the check she received from Patricia's. For those who are not aware, there is program that Patricia's has offered that we agreed as a club to participate in. In a given month, if we turn in $1000.00 of sale receipts, this is without taxes, we can get a percentage back for participating in their program. The minimum amount is a $1000.00 per month and Sharon says she turned in over $2000.00. This is great and she presented the club with a check from Patricia's, our 1st one. Nice work Sharon.
Please continue to turn in your receipts however big or little they are but remember, if you pay with a credit card of any type, you need to turn in to the club the itemized receipt as we do not get credit for the tax amount. We cannot use the one with the total amount only. The date of purchase does not have to be for the same month we turn them in. If you have more questions on this, get with Sharon Morse and she can answer them.

Thank You letter from Marshall Optimist Club...

Today at our meeting, February 17, 2007, Jan brought in a letter that she received from the Optimist Club of Grain Valley. Please read.

The Optimist Club of Marshall
We would like to thank the Optimist Club of Grain valley for once again participation in the annual Popcorn program. We had the best year ever thanks to your hard work. This project helps both our clubs raise funds for activities to "Bring Out The Best In Kids".
Thanks for your support.
Jim Johnson and Elsie Desmond, Co-Chairmans.

General ideas from Jan Reding.....

I have included some general ideas from Jan Reding and thought I would include them here. Please read what she has to say:
Things to remember --
l. If you find some plastic easter eggs at a reasonable price, please get some for the stuffing meeting on March 24th at the Ad Building on Pink Hill. Save your receipts as Chris Davis keeps track of our expenses.
2. Keep saving your grocery receipts from Patricia's (the one with all the items and prices printed on them), and bring to the meeting or mail to one of the members, or take to the Chamber Office. Sharon has gotten our first check for Optimist.
3. We spent our Pairing with Optimists money for shoes for about 19-20 kids today - which means we need to replenish this fund for the next trip to the shoe store. Anyone desiring to contribute to this project, please send your money to the Club treasurer - Shelia Arnold, 31603 E. Ryan Rd., Grain Valley, MO 64029. Make checks payable to Optimist Club of Grain Valley. This would make a fun "family" community service project - cover a jar or coffee can with pictures of shoes and name it "Silver for Shoes". It wouldn't take long throwing your pocket change in the jar.
Nice article Jan.

Optimist Member has interesting job...

Laura Powell

Optimist member

Radio City Christmas Show

Wardrobe Supervisor

Chicago/Boston

Laura Powell join the Optimist Club this last year and was sponsored by Kristi Caley. When speaking to Laura we found she had an interesting job that keeps her moving from October to January. I asked her to give us an article with possibly a picture of some of her fantastic work. I can see why she was able to help us with some of our ideas for the float and other items. Great job Laura and welcome back. Please read her interesting project.

My name is Laura Powell, also know as Lola. Annually I spend Oct-Jan traveling as wardrobe supervisor for one of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes which tours outside of NYC. Each year all 4 companies meet in Myrtle Beach and we rehearse in an abandoned outlet mall. It is during October that we do fittings and alterations. I also order laundry and shoes for my cast of 40 performers. We then spend Nov-Dec traveling and performing in two cities.
This year I was in Chicago and Boston which was my 10th season. My day exists of arriving to the theatre 2 hours before the show and overseeing a 16 person wardrobe crew. It is during that time that we maintain the costumes, do repairs, iron the famous starched Soldier Pants, and begin the daily laundry. We perform up to 4 shows a day totaling 12 to 16 shows a week. Our cast consists of Rockettes, Santa and Mrs. C, Elves, Ensemble, Clara, 2 Camels, 4 Sheep, and a Donkey. I do provide costumes for the 2 animal handlers and caprisans, the drapes, for the Camels. This year we did several Toys for Tots events with the Marines, a local WGN sports segment with Chicago Bear Robbie Gould, and we kicked off the Girl Scout Cookie Drive.
I am home now where I do whatever finds me, which does not take long. My calendar is filling up quickly. I enjoy being an Optimist, volunteering at school and church and working local theatre gigs. I try real hard to fit some form of exercise into my day either on the treadmill, Pilates, or Tae Kwon Do. On the home front, I am married to Kevin and have a son, Justin in the 3rd grade. We are in the process of moving down the road to Lone Jack where we will have an adorable house and 13 acres to entertain us. Life is good.
Laura (Lola) Powell
Radio City Christmas Show Wardrobe Supervisor
Chicago/Boston
(816) 820-2591 cell

Pillar of the Community

CAROL BARNES

Optimist Club Pillar member for 2007

Carol Barnes was our selection this year for the Pillar of the community. Below is the information that was shared during the evening event. It may be a little lengthy but it is a good bio. Enjoy and Carol thanks and congratulations.

On March 24, 1947 in Ashland, Kansas, Carol Ann Stewart was born. She is the second daughter of four children born to Robert and Dorothy Stewart who lived on a ranch ten miles from Oklahoma. Carol shares her birthday with some other Grain Valley residents, Chris Davis and Lewis Maxon. Carol’s school days started at Wilmore Grade School. When she started fifth grade, her parents moved the children to the neighboring town of Coldwater which had an accredited high school. For twelve years, Carol’s mother rented a house in Coldwater and worked at an insurance agency until all four children had graduated from high school. This was done so the children could attend college if they so desired. On weekends, holidays and during the summer, the family stayed on the farm. During high school, Carol was active in band playing the flute. She also sang in the school choir and was a member of a show choir called The Epitomes. She was active in the Sunny Valley 4-H club and Job’s Daughters where she advanced to the station of Honored Queen. She was a member of the National Honor Society and was honored with the John Phillip Sousa Award for musical achievement. She continued her education at Fort Hays State where she earned a Bachelors degree in Math Education and was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority.
Carol moved to the Kansas City area in 1969 where she started work for American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T) as a computer programmer building on the computer courses she took in college. She worked for AT&T for over 26 years before retiring in 1997. During that time, Carol met Allen Barnes. They were married on January 29, 1972. They joined the Mid America Corvette Club in Kansas City and the National Council of Corvette Clubs after they bought a 1971 yellow corvette. They enjoyed amateur racing in an eight state area for many years. Carol was rated top woman driver in west Missouri for several years. In 1986, Carol and Allen moved to Grain Valley, sold their corvette and started a family. Katie Barnes was born on a beautiful sunny day on March 20, 1988 at Research Hospital.
When Katie started school, Carol joined the Grain Valley PTA and is still a member today. She served on the board of directors for eight years in various positions. Carol was asked to become a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee where she served one term. While Katie was in middle school, Carol was a member of the Principal’s Advisory Committee. Carol was invited to join the Optimist Club of Grain Valley in 1996 where she enjoys many hours of fun and friendship. She continues to be an active member having served on the board, served 3 terms as secretary and one term as president.
When Carol retired from AT&T, she worked part time for Country Florist in Grain Valley delivering flowers. While working there, she learned floral design. When not working at the flower shop, Carol volunteered her time in the Matthews Elementary library. This led to her accepting a teacher’s aide position in 1998 in the Matthew computer lab where she still works today.
Today, Carol divides her time between family, her work for the school district, the Grain Valley Assistance Council where she’s a member of the Board of Directors and her many friends and activities with the Optimist Club.

A Club recognition....

I would like to take the time on behalf of the club and say thank you to Sam Packham for his outstanding work with Pairing with Optimist. Sam has done another great job with gathering contributions for the event and we would like to say to Sam: thank you for all of the work that you have put into this event. Just like other years, you have done an exceptional job with getting contributions to a very important event that the club sponsors. You have made this another successful year and we are proud to have a member with your dedication and drive in our club.
Thanks for everything.

Let's help the Grain Valley Show Choir

A Poster was brought to the meeting stating the Grain Valley Choir was having "A Night of Food, Friendship and Fundraising" at Zio's Italian Kitchen. This is to help raise funds for the Grain Valley Show Choir. Jerry Vaughn will be sending out an e-mail with the flyer that is required in effort for 20% of the funds raised that day will be given to the GV Show Choir. Hope all can go out and enjoy a dinner but also support the event. If you do not get an e-mail from Jerry, please give him a call at the Chamber.
The date is Wednesday February 7th from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
3901 Bolger Drive, Independence, MO 64055.

Coming up events...........

In todays meeting, February 3rd, we had a lot to discuss. We covered all of our upcoming events and touched a little on all of them. Please read below and see what was discussed.

• Pairing with Optimist event will be on February 10th.
• District Conference will start on February 16th, anyone wanting to go must contact Sheila Arnold before the 10th.
• Easter Egg Event, eggs being cleaned currently, park reserved, small gifts coming in and egg stuffing will be March 24th at Admin office located on Pink Hill. Egg hunt on March 31st at 10:00 AM. Flyers will be available in early March.
• Substance Abuse Posters will be in the month of March.
• Oratorical will be the month of March.
• Plant Sale, Ann and Jan are working on this and normally is the Friday and Saturday of Mother's Day weekend and that is the 11th & 12th of May.
• Golf Tournament is set for June 7th. Jerry Vaughn is currently working on this.
• Bike Safety will be in the month of June.
• Relay for Life was brought up and is early June. Date will be confirmed.
• Respect for Law event, Kristi Caley and Nancy Myers worked last year and asked Kristi to get back with us on this.